LSTA FY2008 Grant Round Announced!

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce the FY2008 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant round. In Massachusetts, the focus of the federal program continues to be programs that encourage cooperation among libraries and other service agencies at the local level and to support projects that meet the needs of the diverse libraries and library users in the state.

The MBLC awards LSTA grant monies through an open competitive grant process. Details concerning each of the special programs for this grant round, and for the round as a whole, are available at http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/lsta/opportunities/. Grant round Letters of Intent are due at the MBLC offices by 4 P.M. on Friday, December 1, 2006.

November Declared Family Literacy Month

Recognizing that it is "essential that communities, libraries and schools provide families with opportunities for family literacy and reading activities that encourage families to read with their children and use public libraries," Governor Mitt Romney declared November 2006 as Massachusetts Family Literacy Month. This annual celebration, sponsored by the Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium and its member agencies, underscores the importance of strong literacy skills that help each family member be successful in school and in life.

The Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium (MFLC), a statewide partnership of 14 state agencies including the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), the Department of Education, statewide and community organizations, parents, and other interested parties, is working to integrate and coordinate family literacy and family support for at risk families. Its members provide education, health, employment, and human services and work toward the common purpose of helping families achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Family Literacy Month is a great way to engage parents in supporting their children's education; to help children toward lifelong learning; and to engage your community partners in organizing a variety of family-centered events. On Saturday, November 18, 2006 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. the Worcester Public Library will be the focus of a statewide Family Literacy recognition event featuring family events.

The Mass. Family Literacy Consortium has resources that can help: http://www.doe.mass.edu/familylit/

Nancy Rea of Haverhill Appointed Deputy Director of the Board

Commissioner Dr. Em Claire Knowles, Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, announced that following a nationwide search, Nancy Rea of Haverhill has been appointed as the new Deputy Director & Head of Library Development for the Board. "It is a great pleasure to be able to announce the appointment of Nancy Rea as our new deputy director," said Dr. Knowles. "After more than four years without this position, the Board is thrilled to be able to fill positions that were lost to the state's economic downturn of several years ago. Ms. Rea's depth of library experience and knowledge of staff development, supervision and team management made her our unanimous choice."

For the past three years, Rea has been the director of the Haverhill Public Library where she was responsible for moving that library from threat of closure to fiscal stability. Prior to coming to Haverhill, Rea worked for the Anne Arundel County Public Library in Maryland where she moved through the system from a library associate at two branches, to managing branches, and finally serving as their staff development coordinator for a staff of more than 200.

As Deputy Director, Rea will serve as a member of the Management Team and provide policy and program development. In addition, as Head of Library Development she will as be responsible for the federal Library Services and Technology Act program, the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, and programs supporting electronic services and resource sharing.

A graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, Rea also has her M.L.S. from the University of Maryland in College Park. She is a member of the American Library Association, Massachusetts Library Association and her library was a recipient of the 2005 Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Annual Service Award.